Local News

The Albuquerque man who allegedly gunned down his neighbor and then fled to Mora County where he rammed his vehicle into a parked Mora County sheriff’s unit on Feb. 7 committed suicide, according to state police.

Wesley Brannon, 44, died of a gunshot wound, though authorities initially weren’t sure if he was killed by police or if he committed suicide.

“It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Lt. Robert McDonald told the Optic.

SUNLAND PARK — Gov. Susana Martinez’ spokesman says the governor is concerned about the “apparent lack of stable and viable leadership” in a troubled New Mexico border city where two officials are facing extortion charges over a secret lap dance recording of a mayoral candidate.

Las Vegas is the next stop on the list for the International Coin Collectors Association’s world tour.

During this event at the Holiday Inn Express, the ICCA will be purchasing coins, paper currency, gold and silver on behalf of their network of collectors, dealers and refineries. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 6 through March 9 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 10. It is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Feb. 23 — A charge of burglary and robbery against Jim Poe has been filed in the office of Judge Luis Armijo by the district attorney’s office. Arrangements are being made for a preliminary hearing. Poe was arrested by members of the sheriff’s office Thursday. He is suspected of being implicated in the Gross-Kelly company robbery, which occurred May 14, 1934, Sheriff Francisco P. Delgado said today.

Story Time at Carnegie Library is at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., today, Wednesday, in the children’s area of the public library. This week’s book is “Lama Llama, Mad at Mama” by Anna Dewdney. The theme for the month is “Leap Year Laughter.” All programs are free and open to the public.

If you’re hoping to cast your ballot early for the municipal election, you’d better hurry. Early voting, which is being held at City Hall, ends at 5 p.m. this Friday. Election day is March 6. On that day, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

NEW YORK — Peter Brouwer turns 56 on Wednesday. But if you count the times he’s celebrated his true birth date, he’s only turning 14.

Brouwer is a Leap day baby. And like a lot of people born Feb. 29, he relishes the uniqueness of his birthday. He even thinks there's an advantage to marking your real birthday just once every four years.